The posting
JOB PURPOSE Aiglon College is an international boarding school based in the Swiss Alps with a worldwide reputation for providing a challenging and transformational holistic education in an inspiring setting within a safe, caring and supportive framework. The School is CIS accredited, and caters for 500 students aged 5-18 representing 65 nations. In their final years students prepare for Cambridge IGCSEs and the IB Diploma Programme but our distinct learning philosophy begins to become embedded from our youngest students. The Junior school is a connected part of the whole school but is also a distinct section separate from the Senior School with a dedicated focus on students up to Year 8.
The school wishes to appoint, for August 2027 (possibly January or April 2027 for the right candidate), an innovative, caring, and dynamic Head of Years (Up to Year 4) who will provide operational leadership, and support strategic development, for the lower junior phase up to Year 4, line manage class teachers and teaching assistants up to Year 4, and work in close partnership with the Director of Junior School and Head of Junior Curriculum and Academics.
The ideal candidate for this position would be an experienced primary/early years specialist with leadership experience, ideally in an international setting, who has expertise in early childhood education, literacy and numeracy foundations, and outdoor/experiential learning. Knowledge of inquiry based learning, project based learning, or biophilic education would be preferable.
This position involves a teaching component and presents a unique opportunity to lead and nurture our youngest learners in a world-class alpine environment.
KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To put the students first. To lead the day-to-day operational and educational provision for students up to Year 4, working in close partnership with and under the strategic oversight of the Head of Junior Curriculum and Academics. To participate actively in Junior School Leadership Team meetings and contribute to strategic planning for the lower primary phase. Direct line management of classroom teachers and teaching assistants across years up to Year 4, fostering a collaborative, supportive, and high-performing staff team. Direct operational delivery and coordination of the Mountain School programme up to Year 4, working closely with the Head of Junior Expeditions and the Head of Junior Curriculum and Academics. To be the primary point of contact for day-to-day academic, pastoral, and operational matters for families and day students up to Year 4. To uphold the ethos and values of the school and to be a role model for staff and students. Become involved in discipline and pastoral matters up to Year 4, ensuring student behavior aligns with school expectations. To ensure smooth transition and induction for children entering Year 1 and progressing through to Year 4, preparing them seamlessly for upper junior years (Years 5-6). To ensure the Guiding Principles are embedded throughout the daily routine and learning environment of students up to Year 4. To participate in staff recruitment for lower junior phase positions as required by the Director of Junior School and Head of Junior Curriculum and Academics. To carry out tasks as delegated by the Director of Junior School and Head of Junior Curriculum and Academics. To be a classroom teacher with a reduced teaching load (approx 20% reduction). To embrace innovative forms of assessment, play-based learning, and holistic reporting for young learners.
Responsibility for the Wellbeing and Safeguarding of Students
To oversee the daily pastoral care, wellbeing, and progress tracking of all students up to Year 4. To appreciate the key role of safeguarding in managing student interventions and work closely with the Junior School DSL, Director of Junior School, and wellbeing team. To work with the Director of Junior School, Head of Junior Curriculum and Academics and Junior School DSL in the implementation of policies and statements of good practice for safeguarding, wellbeing, and healthcare in lower primary. To implement a nurturing and sequential Wellbeing programme across years up to Year 4 aligned with the Spirit Curriculum. To promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion formally within the Spirit Curriculum to build a kind, positive, and inclusive culture among young learners. To liaise with the Junior Activities Coordinator and House teams to ensure appropriate co-curricular activities, sports, and outdoor experiences for students up to Year 4.
Academic Responsibilities
To lead the daily implementation and delivery of the lower junior curriculum (up to Year 4), including the 'Wonder' projects and early literacy/numeracy frameworks. To work closely with the Head of Junior Expeditions to plan and deliver the experiential Mountain School curriculum for students up to Year 4. To champion sustainability, outdoor exploration, and biophilic education within the classroom and Mountain School activities. To ensure Aiglon's Guiding Principles for learning are embedded in all teaching and learning activities for students up to Year 4. To assist in monitoring student progress, organising learning interventions, and supporting personalised learning in coordination with the Head of Learning Support and Head of EAL. To support the Head of Junior Curriculum and Academics in teacher professional reviews and development for staff who teach up to Year 4. To assist in overseeing internal assessments, reporting structures, and parent-teacher communication up to Year 4. To promote and ensure effective and safe usage of school educational technology (such as Google Apps for Education and age-appropriate devices). To participate in staff development days and continuous professional learning for the lower primary phase. To monitor and enhance standards of teaching, learning, and classroom environment up to Year 4. Undertake any other task which may be reasonably required by the Director of the Junior School or Head of Junior Curriculum and Academics. Understand and implement all school policies and procedures, particularly those relating to safeguarding children and young people. Understand the School’s Guiding Principles and uphold the ethos of the School at all times. Embrace artificial intelligence and other related educational innovations to enhance early learning experiences.
This job outline only contains the main accountabilities relating to the post of Head of Years (Up to Year 4) and does not describe in detail all of the duties required to carry them out. The Head of Years (Up to Year 4) may be required to undertake other duties and responsibilities that are commensurate with the nature and level of the post.
